What Are The Rules Of Ping Pong

Last modified: September 25, 2023

The Rules of Ping Pong

Ping pong, also known as table tennis, is a fun and fast-paced sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing in a tournament, it’s important to understand the rules of the game. In this article, we will go over the basic rules of ping pong to help you get started.

1. Serving

The game begins with a serve. The server stands behind the table, tosses the ball into the air, and hits it with the paddle. The ball must bounce once on the server’s side of the table, then clear the net and bounce once on the opponent’s side. The serve must be diagonal, from the right side of the server to the right side of the receiver, and alternate after every two points.

2. Rally

Once the ball is in play after a successful serve, the players must hit it back and forth over the net. The ball must bounce on each player’s side of the table and clear the net on every shot. The players can hit the ball with any part of the paddle, but the ball must be struck above the table level. The rally continues until one player fails to hit the ball or makes an illegal shot.

3. Scoring

A game of ping pong is usually played to 11 points, but it can also be played to 21 points in competitive settings. The players earn one point each time the opponent fails to return the ball or makes a mistake. If the score reaches 10-10, the game enters a deuce phase. The players then take turns serving, but the server only gets one serve. The first player to reach a two-point lead wins the game.

Conclusion

Now that you know the basic rules of ping pong, you can start playing and enjoying the game. Remember to practice your serves, improve your rally skills, and keep track of the score. Ping pong is a great way to have fun, stay active, and sharpen your hand-eye coordination. So grab a paddle, find a table, and let the games begin!

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